special deer management meetings set

January 13, 2014

The State Game and Fish Department has scheduled eight public meetings in February to discuss deer management in North Dakota.
Department officials will present an overview of the current deer population and prospects for the future, and look for input on possible options for changes in the way deer licenses are allocated.
â€śWeâ€™re all aware that the stateâ€™s whitetail and mule deer populations have declined considerably in recent years,â€ť said Game and Fish Department wildlife chief Randy Kreil. â€śIn 2013 we had approximately 40,000 hunters who applied for a deer gun license and didnâ€™t get one. Weâ€™re looking at some ideas that might help get more hunters in the field if deer populations remain similar to what they are now.â€ť
In the long term, Kreil said Game and Fishâ€™s strategy is to build deer numbers to a point that would provide a reasonable chance for anyone who wants to hunt to be able to get some kind of license. â€śRight now we have a high public interest in deer hunting in North Dakota,â€ť he said. â€śWeâ€™re hoping to come up with some solutions to help us maintain that.â€ť
Each meeting will begin at 7 p.m. local time.
Feb. 17 â€“ Devils Lake, Lake Region Community College Auditorium
Feb. 17 â€“ Casselton, City Fire Hall
Feb. 18 â€“ Dickinson, Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge
Feb. 18 â€“ Anamoose, Community Center
Feb. 24 â€“ Tioga, Farm Festival Building
Feb. 24 â€“ Fordville, Community Center
Feb. 25 â€“ Bismarck, North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Feb. 25 â€“ Jamestown, The Bunker

The State Game and Fish Department has scheduled eight public meetings in February to discuss deer management in North Dakota.